Llr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and
Sustainability: Today, I am pleased to announce the appointment
of Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation for
the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in Wales.
The Scheme will include plastic (PET), metal and glass drinks
containers from day one, but in line with the Deposit Scheme for
Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026 a four-year transition
period will apply to glass drinks containers, during which glass
drinks containers will be exempt from labelling requirements and
carry a zero pence deposit. This marks the next step
towards delivering a DRS for Wales, which will collect empty
drinks containers to tackle litter, keep communities cleaner,
further improve Wales' recycling and support the transition from
recycling to reuse.
The appointment follows a robust process to identify a Deposit
Management Organisation which will support the establishment of
the scheme and work in partnership with producers, retailers,
local authorities and other partners to successfully implement
the DRS in Wales.
By applying a deposit which is redeemed when drinks containers
are returned, the scheme will tackle litter whilst supporting the
collection of high-quality recycled materials. In turn, the DRS
will help provide a pathway towards the roll-out of reuseable
drinks containers in Wales.
The Welsh Government will work closely with Exchange for Change
and delivery partners as they develop the return network,
collection and processing infrastructure, producer registration
arrangements, and operational systems in readiness for the
scheme's launch in October 2027.
I look forward to working with Exchange for Change and our
delivery partners as we work to establish a DRS that works for
Wales, and with those schemes being implemented in the other
nations of the UK.
This Statement is being issued during recess to keep Members
informed. An Oral Statement will be timetabled for a Senedd
Plenary session early in the Autumn term.
